Over-the-shoulder Bag that DOESN'T look like a purse?

[StyleCurious]

Hi Everyone,

I've been looking into getting a small over-the-shoulder bag for those nights when I have to carry a couple of small articles, maybe an extra shirt or something, but not enough to warrant a messenger bag. Unfortunately, a lot of these items sort of look like purses. I need some help finding something which doesn't and which, preferably, is not made of leather.


I recently got this army supply bag from amazon on a whim, but it still feels somewhat purse-like. http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-O-D-Amm...othco+ammo+bag

[shad0w4life]

IMO it's not going to happen, unless you had something like the head of a mythical beast, your bag it will kind of look like a purse, I have a messenger bag that's been retired because it seemed to pursey. I use a gym bag, because it's got better compartments for my gym gear and it just fits more into the image of a "man"

[LesserBlackDog]

Several years ago I bought a shoulder bag. It's olive green nylon with brown leather details and a thick brown nylon strap - kind of miltary-ish.


Whether it looks like a purse or not depends on how I wear it. If I wear it hanging off one shoulder, it looks like a purse. If I wear it diagonally across my torso, it just looks like a small messenger bag. To me, the latter is far preferable. Honestly, though, I don't get much use out of it these days (though I do bring it on short hikes when I don't feel like lugging along a whole backpack just for a water bottle, granola bar, and map).

[frost]

IT'S A SATCHEL!

[Mike W]

Frost, that was the first thing that popped into my head when reading the topIc. Ha.

[Beantown12]

"It's not a purse... It's European!"

[Longshanks]

In my personal opinion, the way to keep a bag from looking like a purse is to keep it as clean and simple as possible: no small pockets on the front, no designs or crazy bright colors. I use a vintage WW2 ammo bag. It looks like a slightly scaled down messenger bag and has only one interior pocket but I love it never the less. Masculine, simple, and effective.

[guiltybystander]

It depends on what kind of bag you need and what you'll be using it for.

I personally love bags by Jack Spade and Filson. My Filson (model 70256) original briefcase is very masculine and durable (http://bit.ly/bU3AIB). You can get a discount if ordering from Crane's Country Store (http://www.cranes-country-store.com/). Mention you're a Styleforum member and they'll knock it down a few bucks. They're great and ship really quickly.


If you want an overnight bag, Everlane (Invite here: https://www.everlane.com/i/yhqb3g) has a weekender bag (https://www.everlane.com/collections...nder-shop-mens) which is ideal for those on a budget.


Jack Spade.com also has a sale on now (code: JACKSEMI) which should help, although most are kind of pricey.